Lebanon Rescue Chief Jenny Sheriff has stepped down and the selectmen have appointed the 4th chief in the past 12 months after long term Rescue Chief Samantha Cole retired to spend more time with her family. Samantha Cole had served as chief of the department for about 14 years and was the first municipal rescue chief under the towns ambulance service. Dan Meehan who was recently appointed as the fire chief has taken over as the rescue chief also. Ray Parent served a few months as rescue chief, then the Selectmen appointed Dave Hutchinson who resigned before starting. The Selectmen then appointed Jenny Sheriff to run the department and now have appointed Dan Meehan with her resignation. Dan was appointed fire chief after Skip Wood resigned and the town appointed Mark Munroe. Mark then met with the firefighters and resigned. Several Lebanon Fire Officers applied but were overlooked for the chiefs position. Many of the towns volunteers who wanted to continue to help the town were told their services were no longer needed in 2014. The discussion was that if enough people didn’t respond, the town would need to hire full time people. With lots of volunteers wanting to help, hopefully Dan can keep it a productive and fast all volunteer department. Several citizens have discussed placing a citizens referendum on the ballot making the Chief’s position elected and making it a requirement to live in Lebanon. Several other citizen petitions have been discussed and recent discussion about citizens frustration about the capital improvement program to replace fire trucks. The plan was touted as a way to replace fire trucks on a schedule, and now that the plan has money in it, the fire department has discussed taking a large portion out for other items. The Federal Government has many grants, but Lebanon Fire hasn’t applied for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant since 2012. Money for new fire trucks, new turnout gear, SCBA’s (which the government paid for replacement a few years ago), Jaws of Life and more are available, but the last one applied for was 3 years ago. Citizens can overturn the Selectman’s appointment to the position by petition and having the criteria set forth by the residents, including holding an EMS license and being a resident.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:18:00 +0000